A review of Stephen Daldry's production of 'An Inspector Calls' What elements successfully conveyed the atmosphere, characterisations and themes of the play?

Extracts from this document...

Introduction

George Murray (c) A review of Stephen Daldry's production of 'An Inspector Calls' What elements successfully conveyed the atmosphere, characterisations and themes of the play? I thought that the use of dramatic irony in the production was extremely well acted and brought with it some humor to the watching audience. A clear example of this was brought when Mr. Birling was quoted as saying, 'It will be great in a few years for you both. (while he cheerfully and confidently looked at both Gerald and Shelia)' Which infract ironically it was The Great War some years later. I think that the lighting added mood to the play, as it was bright therefore warm and cozy in the Birling household while outside it was very dark and thus grim and gave a cold feeling. Also I thought that the lighting had a special effect when the Inspector arrived bringing impending doom and mystery by the way the lighting brought shadows. I thought that the music and the sound effects were shoot effectively and heightened the sense of tension. ...read more.

Middle

When I was told that the character who played Gerald Croft was an understudy, I was extremely shocked and heavily impressed by the way he preformed on the stage. Still, long after the play had finished I continuously asked all of my teachers if this was true and all the replies supported this. I do wish that I had the opportunity to speak to some of the cast members especially the actor who played Gerald. I would have like to ask them some questions about if they enjoyed every production they do, work behind the scenes, the stress of the job, incorrect speech and a few other questions. The production was clearly very much linked to the book by J.P.P. throughout the play. The theatrical production however used several additional characters. This undoubtedly symbolized the difference in classes and how life was really like outside the Birling household. Obviously the book was not able to bring about lighting and music, which created the mood and tension but instead it was able to describe this clearly. In the play we were able to hear the different tones of voices while in the book it was harder to express the change in manner. ...read more.

Conclusion

which infact she would later dearly regret. I thought that the remaining three characters, Edna, Inspector Goole and Eric, played acceptable roles for their original characters played in the book. They never seemed to inspire me to believe that they were any better than what was required from them, however this could be because of the role that they are playing in the play. I thought that the performance was brilliant to watch and constantly remained enjoyable. I thoroughly enjoyed the links between the actions onstage and on the audience, which made you closer to understanding their feelings, and made you feel part of the play. One clear example would be when the Inspector is watching on the family and thoughts rush through your mind as to what he is thinking. The play has my full recommendation and for all ages too. I thought that the setting of the house and how it opened was well designed and brought the production closer to the viewing public. I would love to go and see the performance again or even another of Mr. Daldry's productions. ...read more.

The above preview is unformatted text

This student written piece of work is one of many that can be found in our GCSE J.B. Priestley section.

Related GCSE J.B. Priestley essays

Eric Birling is the youngest child of the family, and in Act 1 he certainly acts like it. He is immature, emotional, loud, silly, ignorant, thoughtless and uneasy but as stated above he does change throughout the play. Gerald Croft is the fianc� of Sheila Birling.

All through these clips credits appear in white against the backgrounds. An air traffic control screen appears then people are shown doing exercises to music followed by a machine making or changing records. More very violent demonstrations and confrontations with police are shown and marchers carrying Union Jacks.

She is very prejudiced against people of the lower class and believes that class determines moral behaviour and values, which she proves to the audience, do not: "She was giving herself ridiculous airs. She was claiming elaborate fine feelings and scruples that were simply absurd in a girl in her position."

fired over something small and petty and also used her family name. In act two the plot begins to thicken as the inspector involves more people in this "inquiry" of his. Gerald Croft is the next person to be questioned who is Sheila's fianc�, it is later on revealed in

It sounded as if everything was going to be going well as everyone was loud and bubbly. The production told me a little more. The Birling's house centre stage was bright, but outside it was dark and it was also raining which reflected a grim tale that was about to unfold.

Tension can be seen between the couple about honesty and trust, with Sheila feeling insecure of her fianc� being away. After Gerald gives her his excuse of being too busy I would have Sheila emphasise the word 'you' as she replies with "that's what you say".

Sheila should say "Yes, that's what you say" in quite a serious tone, more serious than before and she should say "you" louder. When Mrs Birling tells Sheila not to tease Gerald Sheila should say "I don't believe I will" playfully, but then say "So you be careful" seriously and almost threateningly with strong eye contact with Gerald.

They don't know anything about me. Something more than the cold gives me goose bumps. I try to fix my hair as we approach the mansion. What must John want at this hour? There'd better be a good reason! I was just beginning to enjoy myself in the Rose and